"Whoever is acquainted with
the nature of mankind in general, or the propensity of his own heart
in particular, must acknowledge, that self- righteousness is the
last idol that is rooted out of the heart..."

"It would be tempting, especially in a political season, to fixate on verses 1-2, to completely remain in a critical mode that fosters apathy and cynicism. Verses 3-6 however, temper the judgment on current leadership with a hope and optimism that there is a possibility of good, pure, and productive leadership that can lead to communal wholeness, holiness, and creativity."

"...we are empowered to do this precisely because God
always provides the safe harbor where we can be "sheep" again, fed by
word and sacrament, nourished by pastoral care and ministry, supported
by the mutual consolation of the saints, loved and cared for even when
we falter."

"Judah's experience with bad shepherding - as
well as our own - can foster cynicism about leaders. God confronts
despair, announcing that there will be a ruler rightly called "the
LORD is our righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6)."

Jeremiah 23:1-6, Studies on Old Testament texts from Series B, Ralph W.
Klein, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.